A comparative investigation of the effectiveness of "Hypnotic approach" and "Virtual reality applications" in the treatment of flying phobia

In this thesis, it is aimed to evaluate the exposure therapy performed with virtual reality technology and hypnotic approach in the treatment of flight phobia in a comparative manner. In this context, 36 participants with flying phobia were divided into three groups (12 participants VR group, 12 participants Hypnotic Approach group, 12 participants control group). After the treatment process and flight experiences, "Sociodemographic Data Form", "Beck Anxiety Scale" and "Subjective Units of Distress Scale (SUD)" were administered to the participants. The data obtained were analyzed with SPSS package program. Nonparametric tests were used for intra and intergroup comparisons. Friedman test, Wilcoxon Signed Ranks test, Kruskal Wallis H Test and Mann-Whitney U tests were used for intra-group comparisons. Spearman's Rho was used for correlation analysis. As a result of this study, hypnosis and virtual reality technology were found to be effective in reducing the fear of flight. It has been observed that hypnosis and virtual reality technology have a similar effect in reducing flight fear. Findings are discussed within the scope of literature.